Tooling Engineer Jobs in Missoula, MT

Missoula, Montana$85,800 USD/yearFull-time
Updated: March 2026Expert reviewed|Data sourced from BLS, Glassdoor, and industry reports

Tooling Engineer Salary in Missoula

Entry Level
$57,460
Median
$85,800
Senior Level
$119,600

Tooling Engineer salaries in Missoula are in line with national averages, offering competitive compensation for the region.

Purchasing power in Missoula is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

Required Skills

Tool DesignCADManufacturing ProcessesProblem SolvingMaterials

Tooling Engineer Job Market in Missoula

Missoula, MT is a specialized market with unique career opportunities for Tooling Engineer professionals. Though smaller than coastal metros, Missoula offers focused opportunities and often better work-life balance. While Education leads the local economy, there's growing demand for Tooling Engineer roles across various sectors. The market for Tooling Engineer positions remains stable, with opportunities in both established companies and growing organizations.

Top Companies Hiring Tooling Engineers in Missoula

Local governmentRegional employersNational companies

Major employers hiring Tooling Engineers in Missoula include Local government, Regional employers, National companies. Many companies offer competitive benefits including comprehensive healthcare, and professional development opportunities.

Cost of Living for Tooling Engineers in Missoula

Living in Missoula as a Tooling Engineer means navigating a cost of living that's slightly above the national average. Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,800/month. Housing costs are manageable for Tooling Engineer salaries in the area. Suburban apartments average $1,400/month, offering significant savings with slightly longer commutes.

104
Cost Index (100=avg)
$1.8K
Avg Rent/Month
Growing
Tech Hub
Tier 4
Market Size

Commuting as a Tooling Engineer in Missoula

Missoula Limited public transit options; car recommended for most commutes. The average commute time is 25 minutes. Research employer-specific shuttle services. Consider living close to your workplace. Since transit options are limited, consider living close to your workplace or negotiating flexible hours to avoid peak traffic.

Best neighborhoods for Tooling Engineers in Missoula: Downtown (Central business district with tech companies); Tech Park/Campus (Suburban office park developments). Downtown is particularly popular among Tooling Engineer professionals due to proximity to major employers and urban amenities.

Tax Considerations in Montana

Montana has moderate state income taxes. When evaluating offers, consider total compensation including benefits, not just base salary. Local cost of living typically has more impact on your finances than state tax differences.

Career Outlook for Tooling Engineers

The job outlook for Tooling Engineers in Missoula is stable. While not experiencing rapid growth, the field maintains steady demand with consistent opportunities for qualified professionals. While the market is smaller, Missoula offers opportunities for those seeking specialized roles or better work-life balance. In-demand skills include Tool Design, CAD, Manufacturing Processes, Problem Solving.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Tooling Engineer salary in Missoula, MT?

The average Tooling Engineer salary in Missoula, MT is $85,800 per year. Entry-level Tooling Engineers typically start around $57,460, while experienced professionals can earn $119,600 or more. The national average for Tooling Engineer roles is $82,500.

How many Tooling Engineer jobs are available in Missoula?

Missoula has a growing job market with steady opportunities for Tooling Engineer professionals. Major employers hiring Tooling Engineers include Local government, Regional employers, National companies. The Education and Healthcare sectors drive much of the demand in this market.

Is Missoula a good city for Tooling Engineers?

Missoula is an solid choice for Tooling Engineers. While not as large as coastal metros, it offers solid opportunities and often better work-life balance. The cost of living is reasonable compared to major coastal cities. The city's education industry creates strong demand for manufacturing professionals.

What skills are most in-demand for Tooling Engineers in Missoula?

Top skills for Tooling Engineers in Missoula include Tool Design, CAD, Manufacturing Processes, Problem Solving, Materials. Employers value both technical expertise and soft skills like communication and teamwork.

What is the cost of living for Tooling Engineers in Missoula?

Missoula's cost of living is near the national average (104% of baseline). Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,800/month. Purchasing power in Missoula is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

How is the commute for Tooling Engineers in Missoula?

Missoula Limited public transit options; car recommended for most commutes. The average commute is 25 minutes. Research employer-specific shuttle services.

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